Lot 373
  • 373

HENRI MARTIN | Puy l'Evêque

Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description

  • Henri Martin
  • Puy l'Evêque
  • oil on canvas
  • 85.2 by 78.5cm., 33 1/2 by 30 7/8 in.

Provenance

Pierre Nougayrol, Toulouse
Private Collection, Toulouse (by descent from the above; sale: Primardeco, Toulouse, 25th May 2016, lot 45)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Condition

The canvas is not lined. Examination under UV light reveals a possible area of old retouching to the centre of the right edge and another area towards the lower part of the left edge. There is some stable craquelure visible in places to the thicker pigments. The colours are bright and fresh and this work is in overall good condition. The frame is in overall good condition. There are some small nail holes in places and some small chips to the wood at the reverse of the upper and lower edges.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This striking view of Puy-l'Évêque is executed in Henri Martin's delicate neo-impressionist technique, imbued with elements of symbolism. The evening light creates an evanescent, almost mystical atmosphere, and turns the facades of the cityscape into glowing structures, towering over the shimmering water mirror below. The present work was previously in the collection of the industrialist and art patron Pierre Nougayrol, who assembled an esteemed collection of works by Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir as well as works by Henri Martin. The frame is attributed to the Art Nouveau painter and artisan Henri Bellery-Desfontaines (1867-1909), who completed several frames for Nougayrol’s collection of works by Martin.

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Cyrille Martin.